08/19/20

As of today I am 28 years old, as is somewhat of a tradition, I like to post chapters on days like this. While not the...ideal present, its a present nonetheless, so for all you loyal readers, here you go.

(Verb) Feel or show deep sorrow or regret for (someone or their death), typically by following conventions such as the wearing of black clothes.

Chapter Thirty

Mourn

August 10th, 2060 - One Week Later

The sun rose on New Los Angeles, the bright light and warmth bathing the city was a welcome change after the constant rain storms that occupied most of the week. Yet despite the clear sky the mood remained somber and gray.

In the BLADE Barracks, in that one familiar room, Elma lay in bed, still mentally exhausted from the events that took place a week prior, she had been entirely unresponsive since.

Several Orpheans were called in to see if her Xenoform body had been damaged by the mental attacks she suffered while operating her Mimeosome but results were inconclusive. It was a unique scenario and one highly unlikely to ever happen again.

The final request was always the same.

Let her rest. When she recovers, she'll wake.

So they did just that.

The walk back to her apartment wasn't particularly long but Elma always enjoyed taking in the sights. It helped her think after a long day of work and critical decisions.

It also helped clear her mind after the...conversation she had last night at Jaynix's front door, she needed a level head above all else.

Her attention was drawn to two people farther down the road talking to one another. She couldn't quite believe her luck...but maybe it wasn't luck at all.

Jaynix and Frye cut off their conversation, looking up at Elma. Frye was surprised but the expression Jaynix wore told her that she knew she'd be here.

"I had planned to check in on both of you later. Got your heads on straight today?"

Frye laughed.

"Absolutely not. My old man made sure my head would never be on straight after the pounding he gave me."

"He's lying, Elma. I spoke to Michael myself. Nothing happened."

Frye shoved Jaynix aside, muttering something to her which prompted her to shove him back much harder. The pair were coming extremely close to an all out fight so Elma held her hands up.

"Stop, please. Act your age."

Frye rolled his eyes as Jaynix laughed and apologized.

"Regardless of my old man...I do wanna thank ya, Elma. I definitely woulda spent all night at that table with Jaybird here. In that situation, he absolutely would've pounded me."

Jaynix shoved Frye once more.

"Be a better role model to Phog, Ostrich."

Frye laughed.

"I could say the same to you about Flame."

"What? I'm the ideal role model and you know it!"

Elma crossed her arms, waiting and unable to fight off her smile as Jaynix and Frye got into yet another spat.

"Did you two come all this way just to apologize?"

Frye turned to Elma.

"I did...for the whole bar thing. Even though Jaybird started it."

Jaynix nodded.

"I did do that. You know the guy had it coming."

"I know, I know...but that's why I'm here, I don't know what Jaybird wants."

"To apologize too, why else would I be here?"

Frye shrugged.

"Honestly I don't remember much after getting in the car with dear old dad so...fill in the blanks."

Jaynix pushed him away and shook her head before approaching Elma.

"Frye...could you give us a minute?"

"Yeah, yeah."

After the man walked a few feet away, Jaynix took a deep breath.

"About what I said-"

"It's alright, Jaynix. Nothing to apologize for."

"...are you sure?"

Elma nodded.

"I am...or did you not mean anything you said?"

Jaynix prepared to answer only to see the look in Elma's eyes.

"I'm trying to be honest here, for real. And you're making jokes."

"Learned from the best. Right Frye?"

"I don't know but something tells me I should say yes!"

Elma and Jaynix laughed, the former putting a hand on Jaynix's shoulder.

"It was...flattering."

"Was it really?"

"Could've been worse."

Jaynix shrugged.

"Maybe."

"Besides, you're like that when you're sober. All the time. If I required an apology every time you flirted with me, we'd never talk about anything else."

Jaynix laughed.

"I guess so. I should stop."

"That's not what I'm saying. Just be yourself, Jaynix. That's all I want."

With a smile on her face, Jaynix nodded.

"I can do that."

"As for you Frye, be a little less Frye."

Turning back to Elma, he shook his head.

"Never."

After what felt like an eternity surrounded by nothing but black and feeling nothing at all, Elma could hear...something. It was muffled but someone was there. Talking. Whispering. Concerned.

Elma focused on that voice to pull her back to the world of the living. She could barely make out or feel her own body, her hands, her feet. She struggled to move even one of her fingers, doing everything she could to give whoever was around some signal that she was still here.

Her mouth opened, her voice too weak to make words could only form gasps. She tried to be louder, she tried to make herself known but everything fought against her.

The voice came back, closer. Then there was another one. Both were vaguely familiar but she couldn't make out what they were saying.

Then she felt something, pressure on her arm. Someone was holding her and talking to her.

Elma focused on the touch, the voice, on anything that could bring her back. Slowly, she opened her eyes. The world was one big blur, it was better than the all consuming blackness but it did little to improve Elma's state.

Some parts of the blur were moving. People. Two of them. Wherever she was, they were here waiting. The concern in their unintelligible speech was evident, as was the hope that was slowly beginning to bubble up as Elma moved her fingers and then her hands.

Everything ached and her head was pounding. More sensations, more feelings.

Struggling to take a deep breath, Elma closed and opened her eyes. The blurriness slowly began to give way to clarity as the person in front of her became more familiar.

Elma could make out red hair, at least that's what it looked like. The voice was strong. Was it her? How could it be.

"J...Ja...Jay…"

Her throat ached, the person learned in closer and continued speaking, steadily becoming clearer.

No. It wasn't her.

Dark skin, golden eyes.

"..Shu...la?"

The woman smiled.

"Oh thank goodness. Ya had us all worried, Elma."

Shula looked off to the side towards the other person in the room and waved them over. The blond hair and familiar eyes came into view.

"...rina…"

Irina nodded, a faint smile on her lips. The only notable change about the Lieutenant in the last four years was that her hair had grown out. She tied off most of it to the side of her head, now hanging down by her left cheek.

"Yeah, Elma. It's me...are you okay? Can you see? Can you hear?"

Elma was barely able to nod. Shula and Irina looked at one another, a conversation was had between the two women that Elma could not focus on to save her life.

Finally, Irina leaned back in.

"Do you...remember what happened?"

"Re...member...what?"

Elma closed her eyes and thought back.

How did she get here?

Everything seemed to fall silent.

It was in this thunderous silence that everything started to come back to her.

The teams. The mission. The cave. The creature.

The chimera.

The visions. The memories. The torment.

The loss of control.

Elma's eyes shot open as she sat up in bed, Shula and Irina moving away. They said things to her, worry evident as Elma threw off her sheets and attempted to stand. Shula was there to catch her the moment she fell over and ease her to the ground.

Both women were still saying things but Elma didn't hear them, the memories were so vivid, the recollection so gruesome and terrifying, it was all Elma could focus on.

She remembered her desperation. Her fear. Her guilt.

Elma looked down at her hands, free of the blood that she had imagined.

Everything after that was hazy, it was her memories but almost as if she was looking at them through someone else. She saw Boze, her sword nearly killing him in one swing. She saw Shun, the man desperately defending himself against her. She saw Nagi, outpacing her and trying to save her, trying to save all of them from the evil that had rooted itself in their minds.

And then she saw him.

Looking at Irina and Shula, she spoke the name.

"Frye."

The two women fell silent.

"Frye! Where is he?"

Shula and Irina struggled with their words, Elma moved towards the Lieutenant, putting her hands on her shoulders.

"Where's Frye!? Irina! Tell me!"

Elma hated the look in Irina's eyes. The lies they were trying to tell. The woman shook her head and tried to find her voice. It couldn't be true, but she had to hear it. She had to know.

Minutes passed before Irina could bring herself to look at Elma. Steadying herself, Irina placed a hand on Elma's shoulder, her voice barely above a whisper.

"He's gone..."

The feelings that flooded Elma's body, her entire being...were indescribable.

Her hands fell off of Irina's shoulders, slumping at her sides as she stared at nothing.

Irina turned away and closed her eyes as Shula kneeled down between them. Try as she might, she had no words.

None of them did.

Not anymore.

One Week Earlier

August 3rd 2060 - NLA's East Gate

The rain continued to pour, relentless and mourning as the group of BLADEs stepped through the gate and back into NLA.

Nagi led the group, Elma unconscious in his arms. To the Director's left were the Knights Geoff Parker and Mabel Eros who aided Shun in walking. Near them, Penta carried his wife, Senti who had fallen unconscious as well.

On the right was Gu Ladha carrying Raymond and Gi Zang at her side. Behind them, Elysia and Mavis followed closely in an unbroken silence, hanging their heads. Mia was right there for them, her hands on their shoulders and Nova following along at their feet, the cat's tail drooping against the wet ground.

Next to Mia was Erick who came to a stop and turned to see Phog falling behind. L and Misha were at his side but he refused to let any of them aid him with Frye. Despite the devastation and exhaustion on his face, he wanted to be the one to carry his brother even if it pushed him past his limits.

As the procession continued and the rain poured over them, a man appeared ahead of them.

Nagi cleared his throat.

"Stevens."

The Knight who had left the battle early to deliver Boze to the MMC looked at the group, he was relieved to see them. Turning he gestured towards a pair of MMC doctors, each with several hovering stretchers.

"Director."

"Doctor Alanzi. Doctor Bradbury…"

Nagi gently placed Elma down onto one of the stretchers as Penta did the same with Senti, placing a hand on her head and whispering something as Gu Ladha approached and lowered Raymond onto the next one.

"We'll help Shun to the MMC."

Mabel stated, Nagi taking a deep breath.

"I want everyone to report to the MMC. All of you need it urgently. Please."

With that, the BLADEs began moving away, following their Director's request. Turning to the doctors, Nagi cleared his throat.

"Boze?"

Hope nodded.

"He's fine...or rather, he will be. The damage was severe. Doctor Falkan was on it the moment he came in."

"Good...good…"

Both doctors and Stevens looked past Nagi to the last few BLADEs still lagging behind the group. Misha, L, Erick and Phog who was carrying his brother and by the looks of him was moments from collapsing.

The doctors prepared to move when Nagi held up one of his hands, stopping them. Stevens moved closer.

"Director?"

Nagi struggled with his words, something he hadn't done in years. He's been through many losses during his service to the Coalition, after Starfall and all during these years on Mira. He knew every BLADE that has fallen in the pursuit of peace to some extent...few if any did he know and have as long of a connection with as Frye.

Nagi's gaze returned to those at his side and he saw the realization dawning in their eyes.

Bradbury shook his head and turned away, there was shock in Stevens eyes and Hope brought her hands to her mouth, threatening to break.

The group stood there in silence as Phog finally reached them, Misha's hand on his arm and L at his back, whispering encouragement.

Placing Frye down on one of the remaining stretchers, Phog's strength gave out, Nagi catching the younger man before he hit the ground.

Holding tightly onto Phog, Nagi closed his eyes as the rains continued to drown them all.

August 5th, 2060 - Two Days Later

Nagi sat in his office, hands folded in front of him with several holographic screens opened before him. News of Frye's death was still concentrated within the Mimeosome Maintenance Center, he wanted to keep it that way for one more day...for Phog's sake.

But there were people who had no idea that had to know. Now. Elma, Raymond, and Boze had yet to recover, Senti regained consciousness briefly however she was inconsolable and Doctor Falkan had no choice but to put her under again. Penta refused to move from her side whatever happened.

All of the other BLADEs deployed on the mission were fully recovered and able but none of them were allowed to take on any further tasks or resume whatever was left unfinished.

Nagi's eyes traveled to his blade, once again on his wall. He'd gone through so many trials and hardships with that katana at his side. So many triumphs but he knew that this was the one failure that would stick with him. With all of them. For who knows how long.

Sighing, Nagi thought about how he would tell all those who lived in NLA's three units. Frye was well known, his boisterous attitude, his love of drink and his dedication to BLADE and humanity. Wherever Elma went in their missions to recover the Lifehold, Frye was there. He'd formed so many attachments throughout the city but none more powerful than the bonds he shared with the well renowned Team Elma.

Frye, Irina, Gwin, Kruse and L were on the frontlines for every mission with Elma that brought them all even a single step closer to the Lifehold.

Nagi felt the barest hint of a smile form on his face when he recalled first learning of L and Frye's strange camaraderie. The team was close, tight and depended on one another for everything. Which made things far more unfortunate given that for these last few days, the always jovial Xenoform lacked any of that joy.

It's to be expected, but it's such a stark departure it only fuels Nagi's worry for what comes when Frye's death is made public.

"Nagi."

The Director's attention moved to Vandham, Nagi had called him here for support in the talk they had to have. Vandham learned what happened the day after. The man took it all in silence but his face told them all they needed to know without a word.

With a heavy sigh, Nagi nodded. He couldn't hold off any longer. Inputting the commands, he opened the calls.

The first was to the Northpointe Settlement where the third member of their board was stationed temporarily in aiding the expansion of that city.

"Director."

"Secretary Reeve."

Eleonora bowed her head.

The second was to the BLADE Liaison in Oblivia.

"Director Nagi."

"Irina."

The third was to the BLADE Liaison in Noctilum.

"Hey, Director!"

"Gwin."

All three had fallen silent upon seeing Nagi, most calls were business, standard fare they had all gotten used to. This was different.

Eleonora was the first to ask.

"What happened?"

Nagi wasn't sure how to say it, how to tell them. But it didn't matter, they had to know.

"I'm sure you are all aware of the new Tyrant disturbing the Primordian ecosystem."

The three nodded.

"It was more than that. The Tyrant was a Chimera that survived the Battle of the Lifehold."

Gwin shook his head.

"What? We made sure to get them all! How?"

Irina remained silent as Nagi sighed.

"None of us know how...it doesn't matter. We succeeded in killing the creature…"

"...but?"

Nagi looked to Irina, he could see that worry edging on fear in her eyes.

He tried once and failed.

Feeling a hand on his shoulder, Nagi turned to Vandham who then faced the three before him.

"In that battle...Frye Christoph gave his life…"

There was silence.

The three looked from Vandham to Nagi, wanting him to deny it. All the Director could do was nod.

He forced himself to study their faces, their expressions. There was heartbreak evident in Irina's eyes, she searched herself for words but couldn't find anything more to say.

Gwin seemed angry and by the sounds of his voice, he was angry at himself. Wishing that he was there, thinking that maybe he could have changed something.

Eleonora was lost in deep thought, no doubt looking back on the tasks Frye aided her with despite the atmosphere that surrounded Eleonora in the earlier years.

Irina let out a quick apology before ending her call, Nagi simply nodded and told the others he'd call them again to arrange transport back to NLA when they were ready.

Once all the calls ended, Nagi leaned back in his seat, turning just enough to look out over NLA.

Mimeosome Maintenance Center

August 6th, 2060 - Three Days Later

While Senti's awakening the previous day ended with her being put back to sleep, this day saw the first begin to truly recover.

Early in the morning, the BLADE Harrier Raymond Penn woke to unclear and fuzzy sights. He barely managed to get a word out when he heard a voice. The voice was encouraging, then it faded away. Soon more voices filed into the room, by the sounds of their tone, they were professionals.

Doctors. He was in the MMC.

Closing his eyes, he did his best to focus as they ran their tests and checked his health. Several breathed out long sighs of relief as he opened his eyes once more, everything was clear.

"Welcome back, Raymond."

Finding that voice, he nodded.

"Doctor Jun."

"How are you feeling? Be honest."

Sitting up, Raymond sighed.

"Like shit."

"Good. That's what we expected and we're glad for it."

Raymond could only nod as Jun addressed one of the doctors next to her. She quickly instructed them to check on the other three comatose patients just in case they've woken up as well.

"Ray!"

Looking to his side, Raymond spotted a very familiar face and an old friend.

"Dirk?"

"You have no idea how happy I am...Phina's gonna lose it too. You had us all worried."

Raymond nodded once more.

"Right I…"

It hit him right then, like a massive Indigen slamming into his body. Everything flooded back all at once. The mission. The fight. The monster. The memory.

Jumping out of bed, Raymond began searching for his weapon, calling out for it as Jun eased the doctors away from him while Dirk ran to his side, yelling for him to calm down.

Raymond continued to look everywhere and yell, panic flooded his body over the memories of what he did under the thing's influence.

He drew his blade on his allies, he tried to kill them.

"Ray!"

Freezing in place, the man looked at Dirk once more.

"Everything is alright. It's over. That...thing is dead."

Raymond kept looking at Dirk, thinking back he recalled the feeling of his body moving and acting outside of his will. He remembered that horrid sensation in his head, that mass of voices and thoughts...and then, it was torn from his mind and silence followed.

It was a painful relief that left him dazed and confused. The last thing he saw after that was Gu Ladha before everything faded away.

It was dead. He was free. Everyone was safe.

"We won…"

Dirk nodded, Raymond took a step back and sat on the bed once more. Dirk exchanged a few words with Jun, the doctor nodded before leaving the room with the others in tow. Dirk sat next to Raymond.

"...did...how did...what happened?"

"Details haven't been made clear to everyone yet...the whole situation has been a lot to take in."

"How so?"

Raymond shook his head.

"Sorry I don't mean to...I'm just...I'm still confused…"

Dirk nodded.

"It's alright, it has been three days since they brought you back."

"Three days…"

"You, Senti, Boze and Elma have been unconscious ever since...according to what Jun said you are the first to wake up so that gives them hope for the others who suffered Control. Boze was a different case but still...he's in a pod."

Raymond nodded, taking the information in.

"It's dead...that's good...that…"

Letting out a long breath, Raymond continued to nod. However, something about the following silence didn't sit well with him.

"What is it you aren't telling me, Dirk?"

"...it...I shouldn't even know...Phina stormed in here when she heard you were hurt, I came too and...we...I…"

Taking a deep breath, Dirk spoke. Raymond heard the words but he couldn't quite believe them. He refused to believe them.

"You're lying."

"I wish I was Ray. I really wish I was."

"You...you can't just…"

Raymond shook his head.

"He can't…"

And he remembered, he remembered holding Frye at gunpoint. He remembered taking the shot once Frye let go of Elma, he saw every one of his bullets pierce the man before being knocked aside.

He remembered rushing to his feet and seeing Elma with his gun in hand, he saw her shoot Frye in the back. He saw it all and he remembered feeling nothing.

There was no anger now, just an empty feeling in the pit of his stomach as Raymond closed his eyes.

BLADE Barracks

August 8th, 2060 - Five Days Later

In a very comfortable and lovingly decorated room stood Penta. The man continued to read through a cookbook while doing his best on the stovetop. It was normally a task far beyond him but he'd always had a desire to learn. That time had to be now.

Satisfied with the scent coming from the completed afternoon meal he was able to breathe a sigh of relief. Nothing seemed to burn, nothing smelled wrong, nothing looked wrong. Perfect.

With a small smile on his face he cleaned up the stovetop and measured out two servings. Nodding to himself he took both plates and headed to the bedroom, he knew she'd love it.

Opening the door with his foot he stepped inside and sat on a chair right next to their bed. Placing the plates aside he retrieved a serving board and set it down in front of Senti.

"Hey."

Her eyes found his, there was recognition and light deep within. He knew it was there, he could see it even if no one else could. Retrieving her plate, he set it down in front of her.

"I made your favorite, love...again...sorry, I couldn't help myself and I promise it's better than yesterday."

Holding out the utensils towards her, he waited for what felt like a few minutes before she took them from him and studied them closely.

Senti had indeed woken up not longer after Raymond did with a far different reaction to how she woke the day before. Whatever it is that the Chimera did to ensnare her mind had affected her greatly. Her first waking led to screaming and a desperate desire to escape. Penta was at an absolute loss as she wouldn't even listen to him at the time and Doctor Arnold Bradbury was an unfortunate victim of Senti's desperate flailing, though he insisted that Penta had nothing to apologize for.

The next day, several hours after Raymond had come to, Senti woke once more and this time, she kept to herself. Hope gave Penta the report on Senti herself, all things considered she was well and able. The one sticking point was severe trauma to one of her legs. They had to replace a majority of the parts within and so she would feel a little off for her first attempts at walking before growing used to the new parts.

Penta thanked everyone immensely before asking if he could bring her home, somewhere more comfortable. With her health no longer in question, the best place for Senti was with Penta.

Most people remained concerned over Senti's silence and the fact that she hasn't even attempted to move from her bed, but Penta continues to smile. Grateful for her presence. He sees her in that small light within her eyes.

She's thinking, deeply. She'd be ready to speak and express everything she's feeling soon.

Until then, he was satisfied having her back, taking care of her and being there when the memories of what she did and the memories of what happened would bring her to tears.

He doesn't care that she keeps him up so late into the night and wakes him up so early in the morning, he'd do anything for her.

"Senti...Director Nagi is planning a service for Frye, has been since everything...I know you want to go so until then, I'll be here to help you back to full, then we'll go together. How does that sound?"

Putting her utensils down, Senti looked to Penta once more and nodded.

"Okay...that's good. We're going to give Frye the best sendoff ever. Wherever he goes...he'll be able to brag about it to everyone. He'll be happy…"

Penta sighed, thinking back to that night. That desperate battle. He did everything he could but he couldn't help but wish he did more.

"Elma was able to kill the damn thing because of him..Frye saved her and thus, saved Ray...and you...I will always, always be grateful for that. I could never repay Frye for what he's done for me...never…"

After Senti finished eating, Penta took her plate and returned to the kitchen. As he busied himself cleaning, Senti looked around their room. There were so many decorations along the wall, good luck charms from friends. A punching bag from Shula hung in the corner. Penta worked on it every so often but Senti used it the most.

There was also a shield crafted by Kruse and Harriet's son Go Urde. It was a Wrothian tradition for bestowing protection upon those closest to you.

Her gaze then moved to the other side of the room, a wall of photos from Earth showing her and Penta together, including one of him proposing to her, right next to that image was one of her proposing to him on Mira. Her memories had not yet returned at the time...and still she fell in love with him all over again.

She felt a smile form on her face as she looked at one last photo with her, Penta, Kruse, Harriet and Go.

Penta returned to the room, before he could speak, she finally let her voice out.

"I want…"

Penta was at her side immediately, waiting. Patient.

"That...thing...showed me…"

Senti remembered that vision. That memory. She wasn't going to let the monster have the last say in how she wanted her life to go. She would no longer be afraid.

"I want...a child…"

Penta's eyes widened as Senti fixed her gaze on him.

"...I know what happened to...our firstborn...but after what I saw...I don't want to live the rest of my life with the regret of what could have been. I want to have a child. Your child. Our child."

"Senti…"

A small smile came to her face, followed shortly by tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Without Frye, we couldn't have this chance...I'm making the most of it…"

"...then I'll put 1000% into it. We'll figure this out and...we'll have a family…"

Penta laughed, tears forming in his eyes as well.

"Our family...yes Senti...I want that too."

Penta moved towards and embraced his wife. Their happiness overpowered any need for words.

NLA Residential District

Despite the rain every day since that climactic battle, sitting under a tree had become the standard for Raymond Penn after regaining consciousness. The MMC was incredibly thorough, Doctor Jun had asked to keep him one more day after waking just in case. He understood why but he wanted fresh air and a better place to think.

Doctor Falkan let him have it after that, telling him that he was not to engage in anything stressful until well after Frye's service, there was no telling what long term effects the creature's Control had. No one knew.

Though that wasn't entirely true. Raymond knew. Senti knew. Elma knew.

Everytime Raymond closed his eyes and thought back he could see everything that he had done under the Control of that...thing. Turning his blade on Elma then on all of his allies, doing battle with Gu Ladha with his only desire being her death.

Those weren't his feelings but rather the feelings of countless minds that invaded his body when he lost the will to fight back.

"Ray."

That was another standard occurrence these last few days, Dirk was always there to lend his support.

"Phina was wondering if you wanted to come over today. She's cooking your favorite."

Raymond shook his head.

"I appreciate the offer, Dirk...you know I do…"

His friend crossed his arms and struggled to think of what to say next.

"I don't think I thanked you enough for visiting me while I was out...you and Phina. I know it should go without saying but after everything...I don't want to take anything else for granted."

"It's no problem, Ray. We're Team Jaeger...till we die."

Raymond nodded.

"...till we die…"

The silence stretched on, eventually Dirk lowered himself to the ground and sat next to Raymond.

"We haven't really talked about this and maybe we shouldn't but...at the same time I think we have to. Not much is known about Chimeras and due to their extinction, we'll never learn more...that's for the best."

Raymond nodded.

"But in order to Control someone, it has to overpower your will and...it's...figuring out what it is the Chimera did to overpower you-"

"It's been over three years, Dirk. Three years. In all that time I thought I'd gotten over it. I thought I accepted what happened...but being forced right back into the situation showed me that...I never did and I don't think I can ever forgive myself for it. Three years later and I'm still in the same place."

Finally, Raymond turned to Dirk. A sad smile on his face, Dirk brought a hand up and onto Raymond's shoulder.

"Believe me...Phina and I understand. She wasn't there when you woke up because of it. It has obviously become easier to manage but we've long since accepted that she'd never be back to 100%..."

Raymond remained silent.

"You and I were all Jaeger had left on the field. We fought for them. For their memories…"

Dirk thought back to those times, after everything happened. After Phina calmed down. He and Raymond took to their BLADE Missions with unrelenting fervor...Phina's condition sidelined Dirk every so often and it came to the point where he simply couldn't do both tasks to their fullest and so he dedicated himself to Phina.

"...and then there was one…"

"...you can't blame yourself for Frye too...for any of them really. Adelbert. Grette. We...you know that I…"

Raymond shook his head.

"I know...it's an old wound. Something I was certain we'd healed and moved on from but we never will...that's the truth of it. Don't worry too much about it, Dirk. Not anymore."

Dirk chuckled.

"I'm afraid I can't do that. I'll always worry, Ray."

Letting out a heavy sigh, Raymond thanked his friend.

"...more than all that...there is still the matter of Frye...and Phog…"

Dirk nodded, his small smile vanishing.

"Frye...last I heard, the Director was planning a procession. Full honors. The works...he deserves all of it and more."

"He does."

Raymond's gaze moved up to the sky above.

"He saved us all…"

The pair closed their eyes, whispering silent prayers to their departed comrade when Ray's datapad went off. The man sighed before taking it out of his bag. Reading over the message, there was relief in his expression.

"What is it?"

"A message from Shun, Boze's awake."

Dirk smiled once more.

"That's great."

Both men stood up, Raymond nodding to himself.

"I'm going to go see him."

"Of course. Give him my best."

"I will. Thanks, Dirk."

The men nodded to one another and went their separate ways. Raymond came to a stop, thinking something over before turning back.

"Dirk!"

The other man turned around.

"Tell Phina I'll be over later tonight."

A wide smile formed on Dirk's face.

"She'd like that. Very much."

Raymond felt himself smile as well before turning once more and heading towards the MMC, feeling lighter than he was moments ago. Recovery was a long road, everyone knew that and at this moment he felt like he'd taken another small but significant step.

BLADE Tower

In Nagi's office, the Director looked over a map of Primordia, focusing his attention on the area closest to the exterior of NLA. His mind was working on countless possibilities for Frye's service. It wasn't something he had to plan out alone but he had to keep himself busy and drafting up proposals before the meeting was the best he could do.

"Director."

With a sigh, he turned to his Knights, Lyle, Mabel and Geoff. The three of them had been invaluable, despite Nagi's desire to keep all Chimera Mission BLADEs off the field, the three of them insisted on continuing their work.

As a compromise, Nagi had asked them to secure the prospective sights for Frye's service. There were several places of note nearby and the last thing anyone wanted was new predators moving in.

The three threw themselves into the work, Mabel commenting that they felt like failures.

"I assure you three...you are not...but I also understand why so many of us feel that way. We did what we could, but we were not prepared for the power that creature could wield."

Nagi fell silent and watched the three doubt themselves. Lyle always found himself wishing he returned to the battle sooner but Nagi told him that Boze was his primary concern. They lost one BLADE, it was a miracle they didn't lose anyone else.

"You three are some of our best, everyone knows you always put 110% in and even though I've tried to get you to stop, you keep working."

"It's all we can do, Director. By the looks of things, you're in the same boat."

Geoff commented, drawing a smile from Nagi.

"That is true...I received word that Boze has regained consciousness and been released from his pod into a room. Perhaps a lecture from him could help you three at least a bit."

Mabel smiled.

"Boze always knows what to say, even if he does yell it right in your face to get the point across."

"He's a passionate guy."

Lyle stated, nodding his head.

"You've all done enough. Truly. Leave what comes next to me and the Secretaries. Rest easy."

The Knights all nodded to Nagi, saluting their Director before turning on their heels and departing. Nagi slowly returned to his attention to the map, bringing a hand to his chin and sighing.

BLADE Tower - Private Hall

Below the first floor of BLADE Tower there was a series of private rooms for all sorts of uses. At once, enemy combatants were held down here and other times it was a place for the civilians when NLA was under attack.

Right now however, it was almost always barren but for the last five days there was one room that was active and only one person who stood in that room, never leaving. Phog.

Standing guard outside of the room was Gu Ladha and Gi Zang. After Nagi had made the public announcement to all of NLA regarding Frye's death, many people wished to offer Phog their condolences and honor Frye's memory but it would be too much for the young man so Nagi asked to give him as much peace and space as he needed.

Gu Ladha and Gi Zang volunteered to protect that privacy for him. Phog said nothing to either of them when they showed up the first time, but the pair knew he was grateful.

Gu Ladha only ever entered the room to ensure Phog was getting sleep and water, she seldom if ever said anything to him and Phog never said anything in response. No one could blame him.

Gi Zang's attention moved to the doors at the end of the hall, he heard a set of them open before the ones in his direct line of sight opened and two familiar faces stepped inside.

"Irina. Gwin."

The veteran BLADEs approached the Wrothians, Irina speaking first.

"We should have come sooner, it's been three days since Nagi told us about...about Frye…"

Gu Ladha shook her head.

"No one blames you for the delay. You both have important duties in Noctilum and Oblivia, without your services...well, let's just say your tasks are vital."

Gwin nodded, his expression solemn. Much like Irina, Gwin's hair had grown out over the four years on Mira, he tied the excess into a short ponytail hanging off the back of his head.

"As vital as they are, we have to be here. Oarson should be able to handle everything in Noctilum. We're expecting a ship from Rendaelum soon and while I hate to leave that all on him…"

Gi Zang placed a hand on his shoulder before looking at Irina.

"I imagine you left Sharon and Ga Buidhe to oversee Shore's Edge."

Irina nodded.

"Of course. Sharon's not one for the politics of it but when people see her they get back in line and Ga Buidhe? Well. You both know her."

Gu Ladha smiled.

"Very much so...is Eleonora here as well?"

Gwin nodded.

"She went right to the top to meet with Nagi and Vandham. They're opening a call with Arcus Pluvius...letting Albus know what happened. We all know that a trip from Rendaelum is a long one, so I assume they don't want to force him to come over here but he has to know."

Gi Zang sighed.

"No one is taking this news well…"

Irina nodded.

"We passed by the Knights on our way here, normally proud of their work and position, they all seemed down. Coming back to NLA and seeing it like this is anything but easy."

Gu Ladha closed her eyes.

"It's been so long since we've experienced a loss like this. During the wars, we were too used to pain and all the assorted emotions but in this time of peace, it makes it hurt all the more..."

The group fell silent, thinking of times past before both BLADEs looked at the doors the Wrothians guarded, Irina clearing her throat.

"May we?"

Gu Ladha and Gi Zang moved aside, the former speaking.

"Of course."

Stepping inside, Irina and Gwin saw the pod in the center of the room. The pod that held Frye's body. Sitting on the ground with his back against the pod was Phog. He stared at nothing and said even less, he was simply there.

Gwin opened his mouth to say something but decided against it. He and Irina instead approached Phog and sat down on either side of him. Both BLADEs placed their hands on each of his shoulders and sat there with him in complete silence.

Mimeosome Maintenance Center

Walking through the main doors, Raymond spotted Doctor Alazni and MMC Proprietor Falkan.

"Hope. Iris."

"Good to see you, Ray. I trust you're doing well and you aren't here for some problem."

Hope commented.

"I'm fine, thanks to all of you."

Raymond responded, bowing his head to both of the doctors as Iris crossed her arms.

"Then I imagine you are here to see Boze."

Raymond looked back up at her.

"I'm guessing everyone else is here already?"

Iris gestured down the hall.

"They are indeed...we let him out of the pod yesterday and since then his Mimeosome functions have been returning. He woke a few hours ago but we kept that to ourselves. Had to make one last check to ensure he was well enough for visitors."

"No issues?"

Raymond asked, his eyes moving to Hope who shook her head.

"None. Boze's strong. We're going to keep him for one more day just to be safe."

Raymond looked past the pair towards the hallway that Iris had gestured to.

"...is he taking it well?"

"That, you'll have to ask him.

Iris stated, her and Hope's expressions faltering.

"Of course. Thank you. Both of you, for everything."

The doctors nodded, Iris giving Raymond the necessary directions and watching him go.

"Hungry at all, Mad Monk?"

Shun asked, to which Boze chuckled.

"I should be all things considered…"

"We'll get you that meal. Keep your mind on lighter things."

Erick stated, Mia next to him was nodding vigorously.

"Army Pizza! That should fix you right up!"

Boze shook his head.

"By the looks of things, you just want an excuse to gorge yourself on pizza."

Mia gasped, the other BLADEs in the room laughing as the door opened and Raymond stepped inside.

"Ah! Ray. Good to see you."

"That's what I was about to say, Boze."

Raymond looked to the rest of the BLADEs gathered.

"Shun. Erick. Mia. L. Misha. Mavis. Ely."

They all nodded back to him before a rather loud meow cut him off.

"I didn't forget you, Nova...how have you been, Boze?"

With a heavy sigh, the Harrier spoke.

"I've answered that question so many times at this point...I'm fine, physically...but…"

Boze closed his eyes, the silence was broken by L.

"For all the silver linings in what came after that day, there is no denying the shadows cast on all our hearts by our comrade's departure."

Raymond looked over to L, the familiar tone of his voice heavily muted.

"It truly is a sad existence to suffer memories of those dear but it is an unavoidable existence."

Boze opened his eyes and nodded.

"Hear, hear...I still can't quite believe that it was him...out of all of us out there...he was the one we lost...it doesn't seem right. I-"

"No."

Boze fell silent as Mavis spoke up.

"No talk of trading lives or of wishing for death. None of that. We lost Frye...please let that be enough."

Elysia and Misha placed their hands on Mavis' shoulders, Boze watching the young woman's downcast expression and letting out a long sigh.

"You're right. Of course. I didn't mean anything by it...nothing can change what occurred, only that we must work that much harder to fill the void left by our ally."

As the group fell silent, Nova jumped onto the bed next to Boze and pushed his head against Boze's arm. The man brought his hand up and began to pet Nova.

"What of Phog?"

"He's been...he's been with Frye every second of every day since…"

Mia stated as Misha moved forward.

"We've done everything we can to try and get through to him but...he doesn't respond. He may be here in NLA physically...but mentally, spiritually, he's somewhere else."

Boze nodded at that, lost in thought as Shun spoke up.

"As close as we all were to Frye. None of us can possibly understand what Phog is feeling. He wasn't just Phog's brother, he was his one and only remaining family."

There were murmurs of agreements as Shun brought a hand to his face, removing his fully repaired Veyes, his eyes going to the marks in the middle signifying where it was torn in half.

"I wish we could understand. I really wish we could share in the depths of that pain so that we could help Phog out of it...but anything we say will be…"

Sighing, the man shook his head. Erick speaking.

"We've tried what we can, but like Misha said, Phog is somewhere else. Unless we can pull him back…"

"Then we continue trying. Again and again...if just to let Phog know that we care."

Boze looked to Mavis once more.

"Indeed. The Pebble is right. Once they give me the okay to go, I'll be at his side...with all of you as well, I'm sure."

The BLADEs all agreed, Nova even let out a yelp.

"We should go, we've got some visitors from Noctilum and Oblivia to help get settled…"

Upon hearing Erick's words, the BLADEs began moving towards the exit.

"I'll make sure to tell Irina, Shula and Gwin to stop on by."

Elysia said with a smile.

"I'd like that, Bird."

As the door opened, Boze recalled one last thing.

"What of Elma?"

The group turned back to him, Mia speaking.

"She's not up yet but I'm pretty sure Shula is with her right now...right Ely?"

The young woman nodded.

"Yeah. Shun and I were with Elma until she showed up. She hitched a ride back with Irina's group. That's what she told me anyway. Bills, Hermann and Tyler hung back to handle things in Oblivia...but they didn't take the news well either."

Boze closed his eyes as L's voice filled the room.

"We all know...that Elma will wake to find herself drowning in guilt. Devastation. She was not herself, we know this too but…"

Shun nodded.

"Senti has been dealing with the situation as best she can. She has Penta and he's certain everything will be fine but...she feels guilty…"

Boze opened his eyes.

"And you Raymond?"

The Harrier leaned back against the wall.

"I'm feeling a lot of things...weak above all. I let that thing do whatever it wanted with me and in turn I hurt my friends. My family. I haven't forgiven myself yet. I don't know when I will but I have to keep moving and make things right...in whatever way I can…"

Boze simply nodded.

"I imagine a lot of us feel as if we...didn't do enough."

"L and I tried to get to you guys as quickly as we could."

Misha stated.

"We made it but...then we just got overwhelmed too. I don't know why we didn't…"

Shaking her head, the woman looked to Boze.

"No point in thinking poorly of ourselves but it's unavoidable."

Shun cut in.

"Like I've been saying, you and L helped us out plenty. If it were any other mission, we would have settled it there."

L moved towards Misha, simply nodding his head before addressing the group.

"We have every day after to be stronger. For now, we move for Frye."

Boze had nothing more to say, simply watching in silence as the BLADEs made sure they had all of their gear and took off to aid the new arrivals.

Each one turned as they walked out the door and said their goodbyes until there was only one left. Elysia. Kneeling down, she placed a hand on Nova's head.

"I'm gonna need you to stay put and take care of Boze, can you do that?"

The cat meowed in response before turning and jumping once more unto the bed next to Boze.

"Thank you, Bird."

"See you, Boze."

With the BLADEs gone, Boze placed his hand on Nova's back and began rubbing. The cat's calming purrs filling the room.

BLADE Tower

"No change yet?"

Nagi asked, a holographic screen in front of him showing Shula who was currently in the MMC with Elma.

"Sorry Director but...nothing...she's still stable so she hasn't taken a turn for the worse either but…"

Nagi sighed.

"I understand. I can't help but check in, I've bothered all the BLADEs watching over Elma far too much these last few days."

Shula looked away from the screen, no doubt checking on Elma once more.

"From what Doctor Falkan told me, she was in her Mim when the Chimera took control of her. She lost consciousness in her Mim and from there her mind returned to her Xenoform body...it's a tricky thing given there are doubts she did that intentionally."

Nagi nodded, crossing his arms.

"Elma is the only one among us with a Mim body and a natural body, as such it is impossible to tell the effects of Control on a mind shared among two hosts...at least that's how Falkan phrased it to me…"

"I'll be with her from here on, Director. Irina as well when she's done meeting with you. Elma will be fine...if I may, I think moving her back to her Barracks could help. Definitely a lot more comfortable than her MMC room, no offense to the docs here."

Nagi tapped his chin.

"Talk to Falkan about it and see if you can get it done. Thank you, Shula."

"Of course, Director."

Ending the call, Nagi sighed before turning to Vandham and Eleonora.

"Thank you for coming here as quickly as you could. You, Gwin and Irina...I know-"

Eleonora raised one of her hands.

"No need to finish that thought, Director. We understand."

At her side, Vandham nodded.

"Peace is a strange thing, isn't it? We have no one to direct ourselves against beyond Mira's indigineous life and yet, we're all so busy."

Nagi sighed, turning to another man in the room.

"You as well, Orwell."

"Don't mention it, Director. Northpointe is doing well enough without me, I made sure of it...besides, we have these meetings every so often. Not always in person but...for this occasion, it is a must."

Eleonora cleared her throat

"I had intended to return from Northpointe sooner…"

Vandham shook his head.

"It's no trouble Eleonora, Nagi has been keeping everything running smoothly. So smoothly I still wonder why I'm here. Everyone else got transferred to manage new outposts and towns but keeping me here?"

Eleonora and Orwell wore smiles when a call came in, looking at the address, recognizing it as Arcus Pluvius, Nagi nodded before answering.

"Albus."

"Director Nagi…I hate to ask but the message Furvus and I received...it's the truth?"

"I'm afraid so, Albus."

The Qlurian closed his eyes.

"I see...I take it this is a request for my presence at his funeral."

"We couldn't force you to come, we know how everyone in Arcus Pluvius relies on you."

"While that is true, Furvus is perfectly capable of heading things up for a bit and Frye is an old comrade. I've known the man for many years and truly believed he'd outlive us all."

"He should have…"

Vandham said, his voice low.

"So what comes next is...planning his ceremony."

Eleonora whispered.

"That lad fought so hard for everyone...we've got our work cut out for us."

Orwell commented as the group sat down.

"Should we expect a Nopon and Wrothian representative as well?"

Eleonora asked.

"What of the other Xenoforms?"

Nagi shook his head.

"I've left it up to them. We all hail from starkly different cultures. Perhaps they will honor him in their own way. Know that Sevvy Belgazus and Slovity Pagus have reached out and offered their respective tribes' recognition of Frye's service. Slovity even volunteered her team for our ceremony should we need them."

Eleonora sighed.

"How things have changed…"

Albus cleared his throat.

"If I may ask...are we moving Frye to the same place where you keep the fallen? The Lifehold Core?"

Nagi shook his head.

"No...Michael was a bit more...classic."

Vandham chuckled as Nagi continued.

"A burial. A funeral. Honors. It's expected of members of the Christoph family. Not just for Frye and Phog or their parents but for generations before. They're a family dedicated to protection and service. It's admirable…"

"After the loss of Earth and most of our people, there aren't many families left with that kind of history."

Orwell commented, drawing nods from the rest of the group.

"Regardless...of all the places I had cleared out for the service there is one that stands out to me. It's not too far from NLA and it's along the coast. A peaceful, quiet spot...words that don't necessarily match up to Frye but after his years of service. Peace is what he needs. Deserves."

Nagi opened a screen in the middle of the group displaying the staff, BLADEs and Xenoforms who would be in attendance or aiding in the ceremony as well as a map showing the area of Primordia they would all be heading to.
"With all that said...let's begin."

It was almost midnight when the meeting came to an end. Irina and Gwin had joined them during the discussion, as did Shula who assured them that someone was present with Elma. Following the outline of the plans, everyone was dismissed and Nagi found himself alone in his office.

With no one else around he allowed himself to sigh, the exhaustion of the last few days showing. He hadn't felt this drained since the battle to reclaim the Lifehold. The final engagement with the Remnants was hard but that first deployment of all allied BLADE forces to save their very existence would stay with him for the rest of his life.

Observing his blade on the wall once more, he nodded before returning to his desk. Sitting down, he rested his chin on his hands and closed his eyes.

He couldn't help but think about the Chimera mission and everything surrounding it. He hadn't realized until the day after that by the time the dust settled, twenty BLADEs had been dispatched to deal with an unknown monster. Himself included.

Moving one hand to the desk, he typed along the holographic keyboard to display the MMC reports for all the BLADEs that went into battle, four of the reports were flagged as vital. Those being for Boze who suffered mortal damage and then Elma, Senti and Raymond who the Chimera had ensnared.

Elma was still unconscious, the only one and given how long she may stay under, her Mimeosome would be fully repaired before she even comes to.

Nagi's eyes moved from Elma's report to his Knights. Stevens had got out early with Boze but Geoff Parker and Mabel Eros didn't fare too well either. Nowhere near as serious as the other four but taking a full blast from the Milesaur would knock the wind out of anyone.

As he continued reading through the reports, Nagi couldn't help but find some fault in how he handled the scenario. Who could've predicted a surviving Chimera? And beyond that, who could've predicted that it was capable of influencing the entire ecosystem? The battle was a losing one even with twenty BLADEs in the field. Regardless of all that, he should have been prepared. He should have deployed more forces, he should have done everything in his power to protect his people.

Leaning back in his seat, he looked over to a photograph on the table. A small smile came to his face as he looked upon it, the older man next to him long gone from NLA.

Then, his datapad began to sound off.

Nagi wasn't in the mood to chat but his duties as Director superseded everything else. Answering the datapad he waited until that voice came through.

"Nagi."

Immediately recognizing the voice, Nagi glanced at the photograph once more.

"Maurice."

"You sound surprised."

"I am...very much so...I."

Nagi took a deep breath.

"It's been a stressful few days."

Chausson chuckled.

"Such is the weight of the job my friend. You have Vandham, Eleonora, Falkan, Orwell, Hilda and Albus for that reason, to say nothing of all those who follow you."

Nagi nodded.

"I do indeed...Maurice...do you know?"

There was a long silence before the former Director spoke.

"All I know is...that something happened. A few days ago Caerulus was cooking when she was overwhelmed by a powerful sense of...despair. A sadness, fear and anger she hadn't felt since the day the Ganglion attacked Qlu."

Nagi closed his eyes, recalling Phog's cries that night.

"I was concerned so I've arranged transport to get me back to NLA. I wanted to tell you that…"

"Of course...Maurice…"

The older man sighed.

"You don't have to tell me anything you can't manage right now, Nagi."

"I'd hate to uproot your life over there."

"Hardly."

Nagi looked over the twenty BLADE reports once more, the one report that was filed in black belonging to their fallen comrade.

"It was an unpredictable scenario...so many of us were on the firing line…"

Chausson waited, silent as Nagi closed the reports.

"The only reason we all got out of it...was because of Frye."

Nagi tapped his fingers along the desk, shaking his head.

"He's gone, Maurice."

There was a long pause in the conversation following that. Nagi could hear shuffling. Pacing. Chausson was thinking this over, accepting it.

"Michael's son...our...Killer Ostrich…"

Nagi nodded, a confirmation barely escaping his lips.

"I...don't know how to respond to this, Nagi."

The Director laughed, a laugh devoid of all humor.

"None of us do, Maurice. All of us directly involved with the mission have been...emotionally stunted...they're finding strength in each other but accepting what has happened is hard."

Nagi pushed his seat back, standing once more and walking towards the balcony.

"...then I have to be there."

"I would not dare ask but...I would greatly appreciate your presence...and I think Frye would too. Phog will."

"Of course...of course…"

Opening the door and standing on the BLADE Tower balcony, Nagi looked out over the city of NLA, shrouded in night.

"Thank you, Maurice."

"Don't mention it, Nagi…"

August 10th, 2060 - One Week Later

Elma stood in her bathroom, looking at her reflection. She had been moved back to her Xenoform body at some point, yet in the middle of her every blink she could see her bloodstained Mimeosome.

She remembered what she did so vividly, she was afraid she'd reach for her weapon and turn on Irina and Shula in the next room. They had unshakeable faith in her, but her faith in herself was broken.

Frye had to sacrifice everything to pull her back, to remind her of who she was and why she was here.

She remembered that last strike. She remembered turning around and burying her blade deep into Frye's body, the mortal wound that stole his life from him. She remembered the feeling of landing the strike and the look in Frye's eyes as he reached out and touched her.

"It was me…"

Barely a whisper, one no one else could hear. Closing her eyes, she repeated those words until someone knocked on the door.

"Elma, darlin'...we're here for you."

It was Shula. Taking a deep breath, Elma centered herself as best she could before opening the door.

"I know, Shula…"

The taller woman smiled and nodded as Irina approached.

"We're not the best cooks but we can order food for you if you want or just get some water or just sit here and do nothing. You don't have to push yourself."

Elma nodded.

"I appreciate that. I do. But it's been a week. Everyone else has been struggling, suffering and working...I have to join them. I have to make amends."

Shula shook her head.

"There is nothin' to amend, darlin'. You know full well no one harbors any hatred for you. Certainly not Boze or Phog if that's what you're thinkin'."

Elma couldn't quite accept that.

"Did you hear that from them?"

Shula fell silent, Irina speaking up.

"From Boze, yeah. He's looking forward to speaking with you if only to help alleviate that guilt you feel. Raymond wants to help too, he knows what you went through. Vividly."

Elma looked away.

"And Senti?"

Shula cleared her throat.

"Penta has been with her since she woke up. She hasn't left their barracks since then, still dealing with some things but when she's able she'll definitely want to help you out. Everyone wants to. We're all here for each other just the way we always have."

There was a long silence before Elma faced the other women.

"Phog?"

Shula crossed her arms.

"He...we don't know."

Irina sighed.

"I was with him a few days ago, along with Gwin. He's barely spoken to anyone and he hardly if ever leaves Frye's side. We...no one knows what he's thinking."

"And you think he'll be fine with me? I-"

Irina moved forward and held one of her hands up.

"Don't. Don't say it. Don't you dare."

Irina and Elma stared at one another as Shula moved to Irina's side and placed a hand on her shoulder, whispering something to her.

Elma saw the pain in Irina's eyes, the tears threatening to fall. Realizing her error, Elma nodded.

"I didn't mean to...I just...it's hard…"

Shula moved to Elma's side and helped her back to her bed.

"Rest easy, darlin'. We need to let Nagi and the Secretaries know that you're awake."

Elma sat in silence, her eyes finding Shula's. The bright gold was notably muted, the smile on her face didn't reach the heights it usually did.

She then looked at Irina, the woman was not staring back at her but the pain that was evident in those eyes she was just staring at could not be missed.

Shula placed a hand on Elma's shoulder and helped her to lie back down.

"Everyone will be happier knowing you are back with us, Elma. Don't doubt that...rest."

Elma nodded, closing her eyes. She listened to the shuffling of footsteps as Shula and Irina left the room, softly closing the door behind them.

It was moments later when Elma opened her eyes, unable to escape from the thoughts of what happened only one week prior.

R&D District

Beta Wolf Laboratory

Kruse sat on a chair against the wall, his fingers drumming along his leg as he watched the other gathered lab techs continue to work. Given recent events, he and Penta's projects were swiftly abandoned, thankfully the rest of Beta Wolf was there to pick up the very understandable slack. Something he was always happy for if not a little ashamed.

"Hilda, it really is great to have you here…"

The former White Whale department head smiled.

"Of course, sir."

"Please don't...we both know I'm not my dad…"

She nodded before turning back to the work. Kruse's gaze moved to May Alstead and Evan Torre, they'd joined him years ago when he formed Beta Wolf. He could always count on them to continue his work and more importantly, maintain the lab's cleanliness. Something he and Penta failed at quite often and something Constantine would no doubt chide him for.

"Anyone know when Veven will be dropping by? He promised a delivery last we spoke."

Evan called out to which May shrugged.

"We're gonna end up having to find him ourselves. Probably held up by B as always."

Evan sighed, nearly dropping something. Searching the room to see if anyone caught that, his eyes landed on Kruse who was looking towards him but he clearly wasn't present. The man sighed, returning to his work in silence as Kruse continued to tap his fingers along his leg. No one else in the lab could hear the tapping, but to Kruse it was thunderous, it was necessary.

As hard as he tried to distract himself, he couldn't stop himself from looking down at his other hand. The same hand that he had used to reach for his weapons. The same one that froze. Clenching his hand into a fist, he thought of the battle that took place in Primordia. His friends all pushed to their limits and nearly killed...a battle he couldn't even push himself to join.

"Dad?"

Snapping out of his thoughts, Kruse turned to look at Go and Harriet who stood at the laboratory entrance. He hadn't even heard the door open.

"Sorry Kruse, you know how he gets."

"No, no. I should be apologizing...I know that me bursting into our home the way I did last week was...well, it was pretty scary, right?"

It took Go a few moments to nod, Kruse sighing once more.

"Is...is that why you haven't come home since, Dad?"

Kruse was embarrassed to admit it, but he nodded.

"I didn't want to scare you."

Go nodded, his voice quiet.

"I know but...I miss you."

"We both do, very much."

Harriet added as she ran her hands along Go's shoulders, affectionately rubbing him and keeping him calm. Kruse looked at the two of them, the shame continuing to build up within.

"I'm sorry, Go. Harriet. I…I'm struggling alone when I shouldn't be. I promise not to do this again."

Kruse left his chair and kneeled down in front of Go.

"I swear it."

Reaching out, he placed his hand on Go's cheek. The young Wrothian smiled briefly before that frown returned.

"I know that...something really bad happened out there...a lot of people in town are sad...are you okay, Dad?"

Kruse looked at Harriet then at his son once more.

"No...I'm not."

"...are you going to be? Can I help?"

Kruse moved his hand from Go's cheek to the top of his head.

"You already are. Trust me."

Go smiled, this time a little wider. Harriet embraced him from behind and planted a kiss on his cheek.

"Looks like Hilda is here, go play while your parents talk."

Go looked to Hilda who glanced up from her work at him and smiled, waving at the boy. Go then looked back to his dad.

"Can I?"

"Of course."

Excited, the boy nodded vigorously and took off into the lab. With a heavy sigh, Kruse stood up to face Harriet. Reaching out, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in, kissing the top of her head.

"Whatever he breaks is on you."

She laughed.

"Oh you know you can't get mad at him...or me."

Kruse sighed.

"I really am that much of a pushover, aren't I."

"I had to propose to you, remember?"

"I remember."

The pair pulled away from one another and looked out over the lab as Hilda handed something to Go who then bounced over to May and began asking her questions. The woman for her part did the best to keep up with his curiosity while continuing her work.

"Kruse…"

"I know. Frye's service. We'll all be there...I'm pretty sure

everyone in NLA will be there…"

"Not just us. On our way here I saw a white Neilnail Construct. Seems Albus came all the way from Rendaelum as well."

Kruse hummed thoughtfully.

"That's a long trip...it'll be good to see and speak with him again. Though I wish it was under better circumstances. I know Eleonora, Irina, Gwin and Orwell came back from their posts...is anyone else showing up?"

Harriet shrugged.

"I'm not entirely sure. With Irina here, management of Shore's Edge has fallen to Ga Buidhe and Ga Jiarg rarely leaves the First Fang."

Kruse sighed, unable to avoid thinking about Frye.

"At least you know you aren't taking this well, Kruse. That's the first step. The service will help everyone dealing with that...guilt."

The young wolf nodded.

"Since that day I've been angry. Furious. Upset. I don't…"

Kruse trailed off, thinking. Everyone responded to trauma and tragedy differently. That was highly evident when he returned to NLA two months after Starfall and now, a week after the Chimera mission. Things had changed. For everyone..

"The service will help. After that it's up everyone else and those at their side."

Harriet smiled.

"Like how you were there for Penta to aid with his depression."

Kruse thought back to that, it was a dark time but he did all he could for his new friend and now the bond they shared was unbreakable.

Kruse and Harriet fell silent, the latter placing a hand on Kruse's shoulder and affectionately rubbing before leaning her head against him.

Smiling, Kruse reached over and placed his hand on top of hers. The pair was comfortable. Happy.

"Mom. Dad."

Turning, they noticed Go approaching with some odd device in his hands.

"Go. Did you break it?"

He shook his head.

"No, Mom. I didn't...it was making weird noises. It stopped now but…"

Kruse tilted his head.

"Let me see."

Go moved closer and handed it over to him. Examining the device, Kruse seemed confused, as if he didn't recognize what it was.

Then it all came back to him.

"Holy shit."

Before Harriet could ask him what was wrong, Kruse took off, kicking the door open and disappearing outside.

Beta Wolf Storeroom

Pushing the doors open with immense force, Kruse rushed through the warehouse all the way to the back where the device lay dormant as it always has.

He immediately activated it and displayed its holographic logs to show that it indeed received some foreign signal only a few minutes ago. And it received the same signal a week ago, the chronological information showed that the signal had first come in while everyone was engaged with the Chimera.

"It can't be…"

NLA 2nd Unit - Memorial Park

Unable to rest, Elma decided to leave her room and head to the place she needed to be, at least for this moment. Reaching the BLADE lot unseen was far easier than she expected. The streets of the Administrative District were far from their usual busy, preparations for the service were taking priority. A solemn reminder.

Reaching the park, Elma now stood in front of the same Monolith she had visited a few weeks prior to talk to Jaynix. Here she was again, staring at the image of the woman she longed to see.

She'd been struggling for at least ten minutes on how to talk to her, how to tell her about what happened.

Yet every single way she tried to tell it, she felt it wasn't enough.

Closing her eyes, Elma recalled her memories shared with Jaynix and Frye. They were close. Dear friends. Now both of them were just...gone…

"...how hard is finding one lovely lass, eh?"

Opening her eyes, Elma looked upon Jaynix's profile once more.

"I have...so much to tell you. So much more than I ever thought I'd have to say...I owe it to you...to tell you, face to face…"

Elma remembered before the team even reached the mountain and the tunnel system within. Senti had accurately stated that Elma wasn't acting like herself. Her mind was elsewhere.

"Frye...you gave me the push I needed...I'll find her. I trusted you with so much over the years...trust me with this."

Elma turned to leave the park when she heard the tone of a datapad. Her datapad. Pulling it out, she found a note attached to it from Irina and Shula. It seemed both of them expected her to leave even after the conversation they had.

She felt a faint warmth inside, seeing how well her dearest friends knew her. Taking a deep breath, she hit the button on her device to answer the call. The datapad opened up to display the image of the Director.

"It's good to see you up and about, Elma."

"Nagi. I'm sorry. I should have headed to the Tower first or at least spoke to you or…"

Nagi shook his head.

"It's nothing to be concerned about, Elma. Believe me I understand. Shall I let the appropriate parties know that you are awake or would you rather drop in on them?"

Elma thought for a moment.

"I would like to see Boze...and Phog, first. If that's alright, Director."

"Of course. Boze should be back in his barracks by now...Phog is in the private room here at the Tower."

Elma nodded, thanking Nagi for the information.

"Let me know when you're ready to come in, we have a bit to discuss ourselves."

The exhaustion along Nagi's face seemed to fade away as he smiled.

"It is very good to have you back with us."

Elma nodded, thanking him as the call came to an end. Standing in place and looking at her datapad, she let the silence settle in all around her.

It was such a strange feeling. She was unconscious for a week and waking now, everything felt different. When she thought of her fellow BLADEs, the ones who went with her on their mission one week prior, the images of them do not match how she imagines they look now.

Shaking her head, she tried to reign in her thoughts. She had two people to visit before meeting with Nagi. She wasted enough time lying down.

Taking a deep breath, she put her datapad away and headed towards the BLADE parking lot. She just opened the door to the car she registered when she stopped moving. Slowly, she turned around to look back at the Monolith sitting in the peaceful park.

She wasn't sure why. Maybe part of her expected Frye to be right behind her, ready with a quick witted response or a joke. Something. Anything other than the silence that followed. But there was nothing.

Looking away from the Monolith, she got into the car and headed to her first destination.

BLADE Barracks

Elma knocked on Boze's door and stepped back. She wasn't sure if his condition would hamper him even after leaving the MMC but she could see herself cutting him open every time the memories of the battle returned to her.

Some faint memory from Earth returned to her in that moment. A similar situation where she stood outside a friend's door. The first time she visited Doug and asked him to return to the Skelletons. She received his answer then and despite the disappointment she felt, she knew it was best for him to not return to action. He never did.

"Elma?"

Snapping out of her thoughts, she looked up to see Boze. The man seemed to be fairly worn out, dressed in a simple white tank top and what looked like long black sweatpants. Putting on her best false smile, she spoke.

"Comfortable?"

Boze looked down at himself, chuckling before facing her.

"Quite."

Moving inside, he gestured towards his room.

"No...I...I'm just here to-"

"Apologize?"

Elma shrugged.

"I don't know...I have all these thoughts and memories of things I would never do but...I did. I'm hoping that by talking with you I...that I can just...get rid of them."

Boze crossed his arms.

"Conflicted?"

"Very. To be honest, my mind has been...fractured ever since we wiped out Badul's Remnants. With the eradication of all Ganglion allied forces I no longer had a major task to dedicate myself outside of the daily business we all attend to."

Boze nodded as she continued.

"With nothing to occupy my mind...I couldn't stop myself from thinking again of Starfall. Of the Reapers. Of Aeon."

"Of the Warrior."

Elma nodded.

"Her too...most of all…"

Boze smiled.

"Senti wasn't the only one who noticed your lack of focus. Your distraction. I could see it when we trained and when we deployed. Your movements are fine, razor sharp...but your eyes...no matter what Indigens we face or what region we're in, that's not where you are. You are within."

Elma sighed.

"It's because I haven't been able to focus that the Chimera was able to overpower me...it's because of my failures that I almost killed you. That I turned on everyone. That I…"

Elma hesitated, Boze stepping forward.

"I can't pretend to know what it felt like. Having your will stolen from you is not a feeling I would ever want to experience...but what I do know is that you aren't infallible, Elma. You aren't perfect. You make mistakes. Just like any of us. What happened one week ago...was just a bad day. A terrible day. You can't let that define you and you can't let it take over your mind. That can't be the reason that you are unfocused…"

Elma looked at Boze, searching his eyes.

"You may have been distracted but that is simply because you do have a task. A task that you've held onto for four years...a task you want to dedicate yourself to but can't. Why?"

Elma took a deep breath.

"What would be the point, Boze? I have...nothing. All these years on Mira and I don't have even the smallest hint as to where she is...or even if she is still alive."

"Then find that hint. Not an easy task. But it'll occupy you and draw your focus. Irina once told me that you believed your...obsession with Jaynix was pulling you from the here and now. From the people standing right in front of you."

Elma remembered that conversation.

"However...they've never felt abandoned. You've been there for them, for everyone these last four years and back on Earth for far longer than any of us are aware."

Elma couldn't help but laugh.

"This isn't the conversation I expected to be having with you, Boze."

The man laughed as well.

"I didn't believe so either but...it's one that needs to be had. You can't blame yourself for everything a moment longer, Elma. For everyone we've lost these last four years, you need to look up and forward. To the future. That's the best advice I believe I can give."

"Thank you, Boze."

The Mad Monk nodded.

"And, while I don't believe you need this, I'll still say it. I forgive you for almost killing me."

Elma felt her lips twitch upwards.

"Don't make a joke out of it."

"I'm not. I'm simply doing what Frye would do and being honest."

Boze held one of his hands out, Elma taking hold of it and shaking.

BLADE Tower

"E-Elma?"

Bringing a finger to her lips, Elma asked the two Wrothians to lower their voices.

Gi Zang turned to the room as Gu Ladha approached.

"You're here to talk to him."

Elma nodded.

Both Wrothians looked to one another, a silent conversation was had before Gi Zang faced her once more.

"Phog actually left...not too long ago."

Elma was surprised.

"He did? From what I was told, he's been here for a week."

Gu Ladha nodded.

"He has been...we're not sure why but he exited the room and left. I went after him to ask if he needed anything but he just kept walking."

Elma looked to the doors as Gi Zang spoke up.

"We're staying here just in case people come to see Frye. It was pretty bad the first day after his death was made public...we haven't had much if anything for the last few days but...just in case."

"I understand…"

Elma turned to the main doors.

"He had to have gone back to his room...their room..."

Gu Ladha nodded.

"That was my guess."

The silence that followed was long, Elma turned back but not to look at the Wrothians. Her gaze focused on the door that led to the small private room. Gi Zang saw her gaze and tapped Gu Ladha's shoulder.

"We can give you some privacy, Elma. As much as you need."

Looking at Gi Zang, Elma bowed her head. Both Wrothians walked past her towards the exit, Gu Ladha coming to a stop to address Elma with a smile.

"It's great to have you back."

Elma thanked them, watching them leave the hall which now fell completely silent. Turning, Elma's gaze focused once more on the doors they were standing guard in front of.

As much as some part of her didn't want to, she knew she had to go inside. Taking a deep breath, she opened the doors and stepped into the private room.

It was a sparse, empty room. There were some chairs and a table, no doubt Phog was sitting in one for much of his time here.

Elma's gaze was drawn to the center of the room where the pod that held Frye sat. Crossing the room, she stood next to the pod and placed her hand on it.

"So, Elma. What's on your mind?"

She didn't know how long she stood there. It didn't matter. She cherished this silence with Frye.

Closing her eyes, she thanked him.

BLADE Barracks

Elma now stood outside the door to the Christoph Barracks. The moment she regained herself and recalled what had happened she wanted to talk to Phog but now that she was here, she had no idea what to say.

As much as having someone with her would help, she knew she had to do this alone.

So she knocked.

"Phog...it's me...Elma…"

She wasn't sure how much time had gone by before she decided to open the door and step inside. Regardless of whether he wanted to see her or not, she had things she wanted to say. Or at least, things she wanted to try to say.

The barracks were silent, yet well kept. Despite Frye's tendency to leave a mess in his wake, Phog always made sure to clean up after him. That remained true even now.

Elma's eyes moved to the doors, one leading to Phog's room and the other to Frye's. Taking a deep breath, she began moving towards the doors when she heard a faint noise coming from Phog's room.

Reaching that door, she knocked softly and stepped inside. Phog's room was covered with all of his work and achievements in Indigen Behavioral Studies as well as uncovering the secrets of Miran technology. He's made great strides both on his own as well as conducting joint experimentation and studies with Beta Wolf and Elysia.

Currently, Phog was sitting on his bed with Frye's flask in hand. Every so often he would shake it, making it clear that the flask was full.

Closing the door behind her, Elma waited, searching for her words.

"...I hope I'm not intruding…"

Phog continued to shake the flask in his hands, listening to the liquids.

"...I thought of going to Frye's room…"

Elma nodded.

"As did I…"

Phog shook his head, his voice a low hoarse whisper.

"I really wanted to but...I couldn't."

Elma swallowed, unsure of how to proceed despite all of her preparation.

"You know...all my life...despite my father and brother's taste for alcohol...I never once had the urge to try it. I was underage, true but I wasn't counting the days till I could legally, it's not like Frye cared but dad was unmoveable on it. I suppose I took after mom in that regard…"

Phog fell silent once more, opening Frye's flask.

"While I've occasionally drank with your brother, I never had a taste for the things he enjoyed...I didn't understand it to be honest."

Phog chuckled, a weak, humorless chuckle.

"Neither did I…"

It was then that Phog brought the flask to his lips and took a long drink. Once he was done, his expression made it clear that he did not enjoy it in the slightest. As he started coughing and hacking, Elma moved to his side and placed a hand on his back.

Once he settled, he closed the flask once more.

"...I don't think I'll ever understand his taste for it…"

Phog refused to look at Elma and part of her didn't want to see his face regardless.

"Phog I...I don't know how else to say this but...I am truly, deeply...sorry…"

Phog turned slightly.

"Not only for your loss but...I was...it was me...I…"

Elma sighed.

"I'm sorry."

Phog's grip on the flask tightened as he shook his head.

"I don't know what to do, Elma…"

Staying silent, she waited for him to find his words.

"I can't...seek revenge to get rid of this...desire within me. The monster that did this is dead...I can't inflict this anger on anyone else...no one deserves it. No one...and that includes you, Elma."

"I deserve some of it...most of it, really. I was weak. I was compromised...the moment I saw that thing I should've forced a retreat. My will isn't as strong as many people seem to believe...I'm as flawed as anyone else only this time, my mistakes cost us all...and there is nothing I can do to fix it."

Phog placed the flask down on his bedside table.

"No...I suppose there isn't...but...Frye loved you, Elma. The Coalition. BLADE. His comrades are his family. You know how much family means to us Christophs…"

Phog turned to face Elma.

"...right?"

Elma stared at the younger man, his eyes filled with conflicting emotions.

"I do...I saw it every day I worked alongside him."

Phog nodded.

"Part of me thinks I should be angry with you, Elma...but I don't want to be...Frye gave his life to save you. To save everyone. It worked...hating you would be spitting on his sacrifice and I could never. Will never...do that. No matter what my emotions try to force on me…"

Phog slowly rose to his feet, Elma speaking.

"You are far more prepared for this conversation than I am."

At that, Phog chuckled.

"I don't know...I spent a lot of my time alone trying to get the words right...even now I don't know if I did but…"

Phog sighed.

"There is no place for hatred or anger...we've all stood together these last four years...we can't let those bonds break. No matter what."

Phog turned to Elma who now stood up as well. Nodding to herself she spoke.

"Sadness and mourning is what we have now...and a coming celebration of Frye's life...he was a wonderful man, comrade, friend…"

"...and brother…"

Phog finished. A small smile on his face. However it was gone just as quickly as it came.

"If it's not too much trouble, Elma...there is something I have to do...and you are the only person I want to tell. At least...right now."

"Anything."

Phog's eyes scanned his room.

"I don't think I can be here. After the ceremony is over...I-I'm thinking of leaving NLA."

Elma nodded.

"I see…"

"It's nothing to do with you...it's not that I don't want to see you or anything I just...everywhere I look I see Frye. I can't...maybe one day I will...but…"

"Once it's all settled, I'll speak with Nagi about moving you. Did you have an idea which region you wanted to go to?"

"...I was torn between going to Ostium or Rendaelum…"

Elma crossed her arms.

"Understood. I'll keep both options open for you, Phog…"

The man smiled.

"Thank you."

Elma reached over and placed one of her hands on his shoulder.

"I'm going to miss you, Phog…"

It was then that Phog could no longer control himself. Whatever he wanted to say was lost as tears began rolling down his cheeks. His words failing him, he reached out and held onto Elma, letting all that he tried to hold back burst forth.

Wrapping her arms around Phog she eased them both down onto the ground. As Phog continued to cry for his brother, Elma remained silent. Moving one of her hands to rub Phog's back, she closed her eyes.

The pair sat on the floor until Phog could no longer cry and even after that, neither of them moved.

BLADE Tower

With all her personal business settled, Elma began her approach to BLADE Tower, this time set to speak with Nagi no doubt about Frye's service. It wasn't really a conversation she felt ready for, but truth be told she wasn't ready for any conversation she's had all day.

Elma didn't want to leave Phog alone and while she may have been committed to staying with him for the rest of the day, she didn't need to when Shun, Elysia and Mavis arrived wanting to speak with Phog as well. The three of them fought in that battle long and hard against all forms of enemies and allies alike. Phog didn't turn them away and while it wasn't a full smile, he was happy to see them.

That pain in his eyes wouldn't leave anytime soon which only reiterated that leaving NLA would be good for him. That much was clear.

"Hey darlin'."

Elma snapped out of her thoughts and looked up to see Shula in the Tower's waiting room. With a wide smile, the woman approached.

"Glad to see ya up and about. Shame there aren't many bright feelin's to be had though, eh?"

Elma nodded.

"Not a lot to find anywhere I went. People were at least happy to see me, so that's good."

Shula laughed.

"Of course they would be. That was never in doubt. I'm confident in saying everyone loves you."

While Elma appreciated the sentiment, she still felt unsure.

"Shula...I don't think I gave you any proper thanks for being here. You had a task to do off-continent in Ostium. That's quite a ways out and yet, here you are."

Shula nodded.

"We were preparing to leave when I saw Irina and Sharon...Irina didn't look well at all. After a short talk with Sharon I learned what happened and I had to come back. I know my work is important but...Frye is more than that."

Shula shook her head, a sigh escaping.

"The news really affected Irina...she wanted to leave Shore's Edge immediately but Sharon had to hold her back...Irina…she's never..."

Elma nodded.

"I know."

"Sharon and I did our best with her. Once she was well and able, she started on the trip back and I went with her."

Elma crossed her arms.

"And Sharon?"

"She's fine. No notable reaction to the news...but I think we both know she was just waiting to be alone to process it. When we go back, we'll have a talk with her."

The pair turned as one of the elevators opened and Irina stepped out.

"Elma. Shula."

"More preparations?"

Elma asked, drawing a nod from Irina.

"That's been the main focus. Obviously. Everything seems to be in place, we just need to pick a date…"

Elma kept her eyes on the elevator, she knew Nagi was patient with her as always but they really did need to meet.

"I hate to take off, Shula, Irina…"

Shula shrugged.

"It's no big worry, Elma. You've always been a busy bee, nothing changes that. Though I wish it would."

Elma sighed.

"I know. I've never been good at taking time off. Then again, I've been lying down for a week, I don't really want to go back to that."

"Maybe take up knitting?"

Irina stated, a small smile on her face. Elma tried and failed to smile once more.

"Maybe...I'll see you two, soon."

The three nodded to one another, Elma moving to the elevator and tapping the button for the top floor. One she reached her destination, she walked right into the Director's office to see another rare sight.

"Chausson?"

The older man stood up from his seat and bowed to Elma.

"Good to see you, Colonel."

Her eyes moved to Nagi.

"Does he know?"

The Director simply nodded as Chausson spoke up.

"I just arrived, travel from Arcus Pluvius is rather long as we all know but I am...I don't think glad is the right word but I had to be here."

Elma stepped closer and held one of her hands out, Chausson offering her a strong shake. Elma prepared to sit down across from Nagi when he held one of his hands out.

"I hate to turn you away but...Kruse has been asking me, constantly if we have any idea when you would wake."

"Kruse…"

Nagi cleared his throat.

"I was playing coy for a bit but...his messages have become more and more desperate. He claims that what he needs you for is Level 0."

Chausson raised an eyebrow.

"I don't believe anything within Kruse's purview comes anywhere near a Level 0 emergency."

Nagi nodded.

"Indeed and we all know that Kruse knows that. He wouldn't be saying this if it wasn't important."

Something sparked in the back of Elma's mind as Nagi stood up.

"We can have our chat later tonight or early tomorrow...whatever works better for you, Elma. I suggest you go see Kruse before he comes here looking for you. I've transferred all his messages to your datapad to view at your discretion."

Elma nodded.

"If you're sure. I'll be on my way...it's good to see you, Chausson."

The older man bowed his head as Elma turned to leave once more.

R&D District

Reaching her destination, Elma stole another glance at her datapad. The influx of messages she had received from Kruse through Nagi were overwhelming. She'd never seen the man message anyone as much as he was attempting to message her. Whatever happened was of the utmost urgency and he reiterated multiple times that it was something he needed to discuss with her face to face...and only with her.

Elma could feel her nerves building as she began walking towards the Beta Wolf warehouse. Any plans on opening the door were abandoned when she spotted something strange in the distance. Someone was off all on their own, pacing and lost in deep thought.

Elma's eyes widened. Shock gripping her heart as the person came to a stop and turned, eyes locking with each other.

Elma could see that the other person was about to run away. Not that they would get the chance, Elma cleared the distance faster than ever before and threw her arms around them, holding them tightly.

"Kriss."

The other woman struggled to get her words out.

"Kriss you have no idea what it means to see you right now...I've missed you, so much."

Kriss let out a long sigh.

"...I hear you, Elma. Every time you're at my door…"

Elma pulled away.

"Then why don't you respond?"

"You know why."

Staring at Kriss now, Elma couldn't ignore the emotions of joy and sorrow fighting within her. For her part, Kriss looked identical to four years prior, if not noticeably tired.

"Are you sleeping?"

"As much as I'm able to…"

Elma looked past her to Kriss' personal laboratory.

"What brought you out of there?"

"Five days ago. The Director's message...about Frye's death."

Elma fell silent as Kriss put her hands in her lab coat's pockets.

"Truth be told, I didn't even read the message until yesterday. I wasn't aware of any mission...of anything. All of...everything happened and I had no idea about any of it."

"Kriss."

The Professor shrugged, looking away from Elma, trying to find something else to keep her gaze on.

"...I wasn't as close to him as you...but I knew he meant a lot to you so...I wanted to say...something…"

Kriss shook her head.

"I just couldn't figure out what…I didn't even know if you were awake or not...I was trying to work up the courage to go and find you but I...couldn't."

The women stood in silence, Elma still unable to fully grasp that Kriss was right in front of her, it had been so long. Kriss' eyes left the ground, traveling up Elma's body until they reached her eyes. Elma saw the uncertainty in Kriss' gaze, the shaking. Reaching over, Elma placed a hand on Kriss' arm, drawing out a long and calming breath from the Professor.

It didn't take long after that for Kriss to find her words.

"Are you alright?"

Elma opened her mouth to say one thing before deciding against it.

"No...I'm not...I hope I can get there, one day. But not right now."

"...believe me Elma, I know how you feel. Four years later and I…"

Kriss couldn't keep her eyes on the woman before her, instead her gaze dropped back to the ground as she shook her head.

"Kriss...thank you, for being here."

Unable to stop herself, Elma embraced the other woman once more. Moments later she felt Kriss' arms wrap around her as well. Memories filled Elma's mind of waking Kriss four years ago and sharing a similar moment. Having the cold Professor as a friend was a strange thing, but after so long she knew she'd have it no other way.

She wasn't sure how much time had passed when the pair was interrupted by a man's voice calling for Elma.

Releasing Kriss, Elma turned to see Kruse standing outside of his warehouse. The man was noticeably frazzled. His gaze moved from her to Kriss and shock filled his eyes.

Unable to believe what he was seeing, he approached the pair, his gaze fixed on Kriss the entire time. Letting out a long sigh, she spoke.

"Yes Wolf, it's me…"

He nodded.

"I...it's...it's great to see you, Kriss. Truly."

She simply shook her head as he continued.

"This is...actually perfect. Both of you, come with me."

Kriss moved away.

"I'm afraid not...I've been out here enough."

Turning from Kruse and Elma, Kriss headed back for her laboratory.

"Kriss-"

The woman stopped moving.

"I believe you'll be fine, Elma. You're strong. But we all know that I won't be...so please...leave me alone."

Elma's words failed her as Kriss continued on her way, reaching her laboratory, opening the doors and stepping inside when Kruse rushed forward and shouted as loudly as he could.

"Your device is working! It found her!"

Kriss' door froze in place, a crack of light escaping her laboratory. Moments later it opened slightly, Kriss peering out of the crack, her gaze meeting Kruse's.

"...you're lying."

Kruse shook his head.

"I swear on my father's grave. I'm telling the truth."

Kruse then looked at Elma, he could see the shock, the disbelief and the threatening tears.

"Kruse...is it really true?"

Gesturing towards his warehouse he nodded.

"I would not lie to you about this, Elma. Never. Kriss, please."

Elma looked at her old friend and repeated Kruse's plea. Despite the other woman's desire to retreat and never return. She'd already taken a step outside. No matter how many years passed, she still cherished her bond with Elma even if she rarely vocalized it.

Stepping outside, she closed the door.

"What's five minutes…"

Walking towards Elma, Kriss nodded to her before both women turned to Kruse who opened the doors into his warehouse and stepped inside.

Beta Wolf Warehouse

Kruse and Elma stood aside as Kriss worked with her old device, studying the information it recorded several hours ago and a week ago.

In the silence, Elma looked into Kriss' mismatched eyes for any hint of a confirmation. The woman's brows were furrowed as she stared over the information, tapping her foot and nodding every so often.

Looking up from the data, she spoke.

"I...can't believe it…"

Elma moved forward.

"Is it her?"

"This is undoctored, right Kruse?"

Kriss demanded, the man nodding.

"I swear to you. The only person who touches this device is me and I only used it today to ensure that it recorded something, which it did."

"No one else has access?"

Kruse crossed his arms.

"Beta Wolf has free reign of the storehouse but they all know that this is not to be touched. I swear to you Kriss, it was not tampered with."

Kriss' eyes returned to the data as Elma asked once more.

"Please. Is it her?"

There was another silence, once that Elma wanted so desperately to break before Kriss finally let out a long sigh.

"The signal is old, it's encrypted using six year old patterns. It's a First Generation Skell."

Elma's eyes widened.

"...and...most importantly...it's transmitting an old Coalition Code. A code used by only one Unit…"

Kriss looked at the code once more, barely able to get the words out.

"...the Reapers."

Elma's words failed her, Kruse whispering.

"It is her."

Kriss kept staring at the data.

"I can't say with 100% certainty...it's possible someone else is using the remains of Firebird to send out a signal or its possible someone is spoofing the signal but-"

"They can't. Kumon would never allow the security code of his team to be so easily discernible!"

Kruse stated to which Kriss spat.

"That's not what I'm saying! Stay your tongue wolf!"

Kruse prepared to say something more, but decided against it.

"Look. I'm trying to temper expectations. There are three things we have to keep in mind."

Kriss cleared her throat.

"First: Elma's testimony. She says Firebird wasn't destroyed but it was heavily damaged, entered the atmosphere and crashed. Second: It's been four years."

Kriss stepped away from the machine.

"And third...I need you both to put yourselves in the position she might have found herself in."

Kruse and Elma looked to Kriss who turned away from them.

"She would know without a doubt that her entire Unit was wiped out. Her wife was killed right in front of her. She's alone. She may not even know that anyone else survived. After the Massacre, her mental state was broken...years of recovery were shattered once more because of Starfall. Think about all of that and tell me that she's still alive. Tell me that she…"

Kriss hesitated, falling silent as Elma moved closer.

"I don't know...I can't know...but this signal, this is my one and only chance to find out."

Kriss took her glasses off and turned to Elma.

"The signal points east. If she's alive. If she's out there. That's where she is."

Elma nodded.

"Thank you, Kriss."

The Professor turned away.

"For you, Elma. I wanted to...and for Eren, I had to."

Kriss began walking, this time heading back to seclude herself in her laboratory once more. But not before saying one last thing.

"Find Jaynix."

August 12th, 2060

It was early this morning when the first line of BLADEs left New Los Angeles at the head of the procession, moving to the left and right sides of the road, they held their weapons up and shouted.

Phog Christoph walked in the lead with Director Kentaro Nagi and Elma close behind. The BLADE Pod holding Frye followed them and it was flanked by the teams that went with him on his final mission.

Boze Lowes, Elysia, Mavis, Shun Kuroichi, Senti and Raymond Penn.

After that, a line of Cavern Clan Prone held their weapons out, the massive males bellowing out a passing song of glory while a group of BLADEs and Civilians both human and Xenoform followed the procession out of NLA and across Primordia.

As they continued their march, out in the fields stood a group of Wrothians led by Gi Zang. His new Hellions raised their blades and let loose a mighty war cry. The Hellions kneeled down as the Pod passed them, blades shining in the early morning light.

At the burial site stood Maurice Chausson, Jack Vandham, Eleonora Reeve and Albus. The Qlurian stepped forward and placed his hand on the ground, offering the blessings of his people to protect the fallen with all their might and love.

Standing and moving aside, those in power watched as the procession drew near and the pod was moved into its place.

The early morning sun peeked out over the horizon and began traveling across the sky as the gentle waves lapped at the sandy shore.

After nine days of everyone dealing with the loss as best as they could, now was the time for everyone to let the tears flow and let their emotions be heard.

"I first met Frye in a bar."

Nagi said, his voice strong and loud.

"His father had recommended the young boisterous man for a place among a more recognized force within the Coalition. Frye made a name for himself in how he carried about his business. He wasn't of a strategic mind but he was no fool. A capable soldier that warded many others off because of his love of drink."

Nagi smiled.

"But when I met him, even as many drinks in as he was, I saw the look in his eyes. The look of a protector and of a dependable man. In all the years since then he has never let me down, never disappointed me and I would not dare regret bringing him into the fold."

Nagi turned to those gathered before him.

"Frye Christoph is a hero. A brother. A friend. An irreplaceable ally and soul that we must now move on without. We will never forget what he has done and we will strive to do all we can for him now that he can no longer aid us."

Nagi took a deep breath.

"With his life he has given us all something...more...and we owe it to him to do all we can and beyond with the chance we've been given. For Frye Christoph. Our Killer Ostrich."

Bowing his head to those gathered before him, Nagi moved to Phog's side as the pod was moved forward, prepared to be lowered into the ground and sealed, forever marking this land as a Monolith to one man.

Elma watched the pod move and closed her eyes.

"This isn't the kinda job offer I was expecting to hear from you, Elma."

"No, I imagine not...but given the severity of it, I have to turn to someone I trust with all my heart. You are one of those few people, Frye."

The man smiled.

"Damn that always sounds good to hear."

Frye looked at the report with the names of various Coalition Councilmen and women written along it.

"Whatever we can do to keep everyone safe...I ain't gonna say no to that."

"I didn't think you would, Frye. You're a good man."

Laughing that off, the man raised his glass.

"A sinful good man."

Elma rolled her eyes as he finished off his drink.

"Either way, you had me at 'hey Frye can I ask you something'. Just like your trust in me, I trust you implicitly, Elma. Nothing will ever change that."

Frye reached for a second drink and slid it over to Elma.

"To the job."

"People usually drink after the job is done, y'know."

Frye shrugged.

"Semantics."

Taking the offered drink, Elma waited as Frye took hold of another one and held it forward. Clinking the bottles together, Elma nodded.

"To the job."

Frye smiled.

Opening her eyes, Elma now stood alone, the moon high in the sky, the land freshly moved before her and the lone Monolith standing proudly in the earth.

Stepping forward, she placed her hand on the stone.

She found no words in that moment.

But she found her smile.